Cranston city councilman's Facebook post draws charge of sexism

Friday

Oct 14, 2016 at 4:07 PMOct 14, 2016 at 4:07 PM

Gregory Smith Journal Staff Writer

CRANSTON — “You know a girl has gained weight when you no longer see pictures of her in her [social media] feeds.”

That posting on Facebook and Twitter by Republican City Councilman Michael J. Farina has provoked criticism from Michael J. Sepe, Democratic candidate for mayor, who branded it “sexist” and called for a public apology to women.

Farina replied that it was intended as a joke at his wife’s expense, and that it was “stupid and not well thought-out.” The morning after he posted the message on his personal Facebook page, in February, he said he removed it.

But his Facebook is linked to his Twitter account, he explained, and the message was picked up on Twitter, where it remained until this week when, he said, it was brought to his attention by a voter. He then scrubbed it from Twitter, too.

Farina, who is 6 feet 4 inches and 340 pounds and describes himself as “a fat guy,” is a candidate for reelection to a citywide council seat.

“I will work extra-hard to make sure my respect, appreciation and regard for women is highlighted in my daily life and political career. If anyone was offended by my remarks, I would offer them my apology,” he said in a statement.

In an interview he said, “I removed it because it was an insensitive comment. … Let’s talk about what we’re going to do for the city … not how I was trying to make a stupid joke.”

Sepe declared that the posting points up the fact that Cranston Democrats have fielded a slate of candidates for council and General Assembly that includes five women and that the Republican slate is all white males. Republican Mayor Allan W. Fung, his election opponent, should disavow Farina and explain why the Republicans have assembled a slate with no women, Sepe said.

Fung responded on Friday, saying that Farina had apologized to his wife for his insensitivity.

“I know this comment does not define Mike Farina or his character,” Fung said in a statement.

As for the GOP slate, Fung said past slates have included women who won election. He has appointed women, he noted, including the first woman as director of administration.